Set in glorious countryside right on the coast in north east Fife, Birkhill is the home of the Earl and Countess of Dundee and was built in 1780. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and guests can wander through these and see a number of rare plants and trees. Birkhill is primarily a family home and offers a warm welcome to all that cross its front door.

The ancient Kingdom of Fife has always been at the heart of Scottish history and still cherishes its wealth of Castles and Palaces, Cathedrals and Gardens. A relaxing atmosphere prevails throughout Fife, from the delightful fishing villages of East Neuk to St Andrews, the golfing capital of the World, and from the rolling hills of the Howe to the historic capital of Dunfermline.

This magnificent stately mansion is set in a 2,000 acre estate on the banks of the Tay estuary. The formal gardens, which extend to some 10 acres, include a hard tennis court and a pretty walk through the part of the 800 acres of the estate woodland leading to a pebble beach and grassy area used by the family for picnics and barbecues.

Birkhill is a Grade 1 listed building, being of outstanding architectural merit. The earliest part was built in 1780; the remainder by Boyce in 1860. Its presence is very stately, yet upon entering the circular outer hall you are instantly aware that this is a much loved family armoury and, on stands, numerous cricket bats and tennis racquets. The reception rooms are elegant, stylish antiques, family heirlooms and oil paintings including full-length portraits in the library.

Should there be musicians in your party there are two grand pianos, and in spacious billiard room an organ! Children too, are well catered for with their own sitting room/playroom with appropriately furnished bedrooms. Birkhill is 1 hour from Scotland’s great capital Edinburgh, 20 mins from Dundee and 25 mins from Perth.

The championship golf courses of St Andrews 20 minutes and Carnoustie 40 mins. The Highlands are within easy reach with Pitlochry about 1 hour, which has both a Bagpipe Festival and the world famous Highland Games. There are ponies and horses on the estate, which may be available for experienced riders. There is a stocked trout lake 6 miles away. Shooting can be arranged on the estate, hunting with the Fife Foxhounds and fine roe deer stalking in Scotland can be found in the hills of Fife close by.

There are four theatres in the area, those of St Andrews, Perth, Dundee and Kirkaldy and several top quality, owner recommended restaurants nearby. Airports at Dundee and Edinburgh. Rail-way Station Cupar 7 miles.

Extra staff by arrangement. Dogs welcome in the house although kennels are available. Woodland garden.

We say...

Birkhill is a grand, spacious home with lots of atmosphere. It’s ideal for a large family gathering or special celebration.

You say...

Dear Jane, I cannot thank you enough for your help and your patience regarding our Birkhill adventure. It was perfect. You could not have chosen a better estate for our group. Everyone at your firm gave us superb service and I know I had many detailed requests. I was a pleasure speaking and organizing the trip with you. Take care and have a great summer. Regards Caroline Pratte Caroline Pratte, Quebec, Canada

Accommodation

Birkhill has 10 double bedrooms and bathrooms, each decorated in keeping with the comfortable granduer of the castle. Two of the double rooms have 4-poster beds and large “dressing rooms” with additional single beds. All have bathrooms. In addition there are two single rooms. Birkhill can accommodate a maximum of 24 people.

Guests are free to relax in the drawing room and library which has an extensive collection of books

Ground Floor: Circular Hall leading to Main Hallway 40′ long decorated with Scottish flags, swords, statuary and paintings; large open fireplace.

Stone archway to inner hall.

Very pretty newly decorated modern fitted kitchen; stencilled and painted pine units, very well equipped. Second Kitchen and Pantry.

Childrens’ sitting room/playroom, open fire, upright piano, TV.

Main drawing room, beautiful furnishings and oil paintings both period and contemporary, grand piano, open fire.

Sporting

There are a wide range of indoor and outdoor facilities at Birkhill. In the shelter of the walled garden there is a heated 40 feet swimming pool with changing rooms that is open throughout the summer months. Beside the castle are a tennis court, giant trampoline and play equipment. Birkhill has a lawn for croquet and a huge barbeque on the private beach on the banks of the Tay river. Snooker and billiards can be enjoyed in the billiard room which also has an ever popular mini football game.

In addition, St Andrews is a 20 minute drive away and Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, can be reached in under one hour.

Golf There are over 100 golf courses within a 40 minute drive of Birkhill including the championship courses at St Andrews – the home of golf – and Carnoustie. The castle can arrange transport and tee times if required.

Shooting Both game (Pheasant and Roe Deer) and rough shooting can be arranged on the estate. Clay pigeon shooting can also be organized for corporate and private groups.

Property location

Testimonials

Dear Jane, I cannot thank you enough for your help and your patience regarding our Birkhill adventure. It was perfect. You could not have chosen a better estate for our group. Everyone at your firm gave us superb service and I know I had many detailed requests. I was a pleasure speaking and organizing the trip with you. Take care and have a great summer. Regards Caroline Pratte